By Tabasom Eblaghie
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Generate Hope Counselling Services
Self confidence is an issue that many individuals struggle with. I love the following definition of what confidence is which I found through the “Virtues Project” cards by Linda Kavelin Popov, who is also the author of The Family Virtues Guide:
Confidence is having faith in ourselves and in life. We feel capable and competent. We trust that we have the strength to cope with whatever happens. Confidence helps us to be free of worry. When we are confident in others, we believe in them and rely on them. We build self-confidence as we learn from our mistakes and improve for the better. Confidence brings the strength to try new things, to gain mastery through practice. With confidence, we can off self-limiting beliefs and doubts. We offer our gifts as a worthy contribution. When opportunity comes, we step up to it. We just say “yes”.
~ The Virtues Project
Philosophers and great writers of our time have contemplated this issue and below are some of my favourite quotes on the subject:
“Only a person who has faith in himself is able to be faithful to others.”
~ Erich Fromm
~ I have the strength to face what life brings me ~
“Man has two powers, and his development two aspects. One power is connected with the material world and by it he is capable of material advancement. The other power is spiritual and through its development his inner, potential nature is awakened. These powers are like two wings. Both must be developed, for flight is impossible with one wing.”
~ ‘Abdu’l-Baha
“A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her.”
~ David Brinkley
~ I act with self-assurance ~
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t – you are right.”
~ Henry Ford
“I quit being afraid when my first venture failed and the sky didn’t fall down.”
~Allen H. Neuharth
~ I treat others as trustworthy ~
“If you put a small value upon yourself, rest assured that the world will not raise your price.”
~ Author Unknown
“It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes.”
~ Sally Field
~ I bless my mistakes and learn from them ~
“People are crying up the rich and variegated plumage of the peacock, and he is himself blushing at the sight of his ugly feet.”
~ Sa’Di
“Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.”
~ Veronica A. Shoffstall
“When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.”
~ African Proverb
“The best way to gain self-confidence is to do what you are afraid to do.”
~ Author Unknown
~ I patiently practice until I master something ~
“Do not, therefore, throw away your confidence, for it carries a great reward.”
~ Hebrews, 10:35
~ I fully express my talents and ideas ~
“To live is to choose. But to choose, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go, and why you want to get there.”
~ Kofi Annan
“It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.”
~ Confucious
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
~ Thomas Edison
“If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi
~ I maintain a positive attitude ~
“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”
~ Lao Tzu